Mafia II Demo impressions

Just to note, these are impression of exclusively, the PS3 version. I say that, in case there's differentiating performance between the two.

Liked

The gunplay was great. Makes me wonder why Rockstar seem to believe these type of games need an auto-targeting system to remain fun. They're definitely wrong. The gunplay was satisfying, and generally fun. The characters, and what I saw of the plot, definitely had me interested. Seems like it'll pack a great story. The physics in general, and more specifically driving physics and overall handling of the vehicles was also excellent. Visually the game looked pretty good, for the most part character models were very well done, and as were interiors, lighting was also great for a sandbox game.

Disliked

Unfortunately the game suffers from a plethora of technical issues. It's incredibly unlikely that these are attributed exclusive to the demo build, but I would hope the problems would be alleviated a little, on full release. Aforementioned issues include, screen tearing, generally low FPS, low draw distance, seemingly no AA, poor AI (specifically the city police when they are supposed to pursue. Other dislikeable aspects include the lack of any water physics, whatsoever apparently and areas which don't match the rest of the game, visually. Such as the foliage textures which are of notably low resolution.

Conclusion

Overall, it seems like it's going to be an amazing story driven sandbox experience, the mission available in the demo was truly excellent. The present technical issues are something I can look past, although was a little peeved by the poor AI on pursuing police. Hopefully this is something which isn't so much of an issue in the retail release, as is it looks to be an incredibly fun, if a little flawed experience.

[omi25p]

i think in the full game you will be able to swin its just they didnt want you leaving the area in the demo so they just blocked the water off

[ChronoJoe]

There was a little section of water I was able to get into. However there were no water physics, it did not react as I walked through it.

You could be right though. However then it'd have made more sense if the area had actually been cordoned off like the rest of the demo.

[omi25p]

i think they wanted to show what the water graphics looked like rather than having a huge red wall infront of it.

[ChronoJoe]

You may be right.

But if you look at the map, there's also no need to swim. Anyway. I mean the full map, not the map of the small area you're allowed into, though.

@Elv R2 and L2 shooting isn't actually something that bothers me. I think PS3 players are more used, to L1 and R1, because of PS2 shooters and having decent L1 and R1 buttons (the 360 pads RB and LB buttons aren't designed to be pressed frequently, or the controller held with index fingers at that position). L2 and R2 are perfectly competent, within my hands anyway. Maybe it's dependant on the size of ones hands.

[Dellis]

It looks like a damn PS2 game!

[lh_swe]

Not that there are any that looked this good, the visuals are great among the best in an open world game, perhaps you should play the demo again after trying some other open world titles to give you better perspective.

[Elvfam511]

I mean I like the game alot, but damn control schemes man. Really wish l1 and r1 was to aim and shoot. I fix the other buttons square to reload and action button as x... Need to play again to see screen tearing overrall great demo...

[UltimateSin]

All I have to say is 'Boobs'.

[lh_swe]

Bound to be a very addictive collectible :D